The City of Santa Clarita will host the Stage 2 Finish for the 2016 Amgen Tour of California on May 16, 2016. Stage 2 will begin in new host city South Pasadena and travel 92 miles to the finish in Santa Clarita.

Santa Clarita, Calif. – Beginning on May 15, 2016, the world’s most accomplished cyclists will compete in the 2016 Amgen Tour of California, a Tour de France-style cycling road race created and presented by AEG. Cyclists will make their way from the heart of San Diego to Sacramento over the course of eight days across nearly 800 miles of California’s most beautiful terrain. The City of Santa Clarita will host the Stage 2 Finish for the 2016 Amgen Tour of California on May 16, 2016. Stage 2 will begin in new host city South Pasadena and travel 92 miles to the finish in Santa Clarita. Despite being a sprinter’s finish, the profile on the way to Santa Clarita is filled with long gradual climbs that could take a toll on the sprinters’ legs. Riders will face several Lexus King of the Mountain points in the Angeles National Forest including Highway 2, Big Tujunga and Little Tujunga Canyon. Throughout the route, riders will see numerous California bridges and tunnels. The City of Santa Clarita, host to the most stages in race history (12), will welcome riders for a wide, flat finish in front of the Old Town Newhall Library on Lyons Avenue on May 16. Race organizers are predicting an exciting group sprint finish, so residents are encouraged to attend and join in on the excitement. “We are looking forward to hosting this world-class event in Santa Clarita for a twelfth time. It is exciting for the City and exciting for the community,” said Mayor Bob Kellar. “The Stage 2 Finish will bring international eyes to the City’s arts and entertainment district of Old Town Newhall.” If you are interested in learning more about the Amgen Tour of California in Santa Clarita, visitsantaclaritatourofCA.com. This website will be updated with information about volunteer opportunities, ancillary events surrounding the Amgen Tour of California in Santa Clarita, and community sponsorship opportunities. For more information about the Amgen Tour of California, including sponsorship and VIP experience opportunities, please visitamgentourofcalifornia.com.   About the Amgen Tour of California The Amgen Tour of California is a Tour de France-style cycling road race created and presented by AEG that challenges the world’s top professional cycling teams to compete along a demanding course that traverses hundreds of miles of California’s iconic highways, byways and coastlines each spring. The teams chosen to participate have included Olympic medalists, Tour de France contenders and World Champions. Amgen Tour of California is listed on the international professional cycling calendar (2 HC, meaning “beyond category”), awarding important, world-ranking points to the top finishers. More information is available at amgentourofcalifornia.com. About Amgen Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology. Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its biologics manufacturing expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people’s lives. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has grown to be one of the world’s leading independent biotechnology companies, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential. About AEG Founder and operators of the Amgen Tour of California, AEG is one of the leading sports and entertainment presenters in the world. AEG, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Anschutz Company, owns or controls a collection of companies including facilities such as STAPLES Center, StubHub Center, Sprint Center, The O2, Mercedes-Benz Arena, Microsoft Theater, L.A. LIVE and PlayStation Theater; sports franchises including the LA Kings (NHL), two Major League Soccer franchises, two hockey franchises operated in Europe, management of privately held shares of the Los Angeles Lakers; AEG Live, the organization’s live-entertainment division, is a collection of companies dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performance, touring and a variety of programming and multi-media production. For more information, visit AEG today atwww.aegworldwide.com.

Mayor Garcetti Announces New Fund for Art and Culture in Public Spaces

Los Angeles, Calif. –  The Arts Activation Fund, which will award $200,000 in grants to support the creation and installation of art and cultural projects throughout Los Angeles.

Mayor Eric Garcetti today announced the launch of a $200,000 grant program that will support the work of local artists and bring new vibrancy to public spaces across L.A.

The Arts Activation Fund, a partnership between Mayor Garcetti’s Great Streets Initiative and the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), will provide funding to artists with inspiring ideas for public art projects and cultural events in their neighborhoods.

“Art has the power to transform our perception, attitude and behavior — and is especially impactful when it lives in places that are accessible to everyone,” said Mayor Garcetti. “The Arts Activation Fund will support the creative genius that thrives in our city, and give Angelenos an opportunity to reimagine public spaces in their neighborhoods as vibrant, exciting, and creative places.”

The $200,000 fund, established with the support of the L.A. City Council, will be allocated to between eight and 15 projects, with each project eligible to receive as much as $15,000. The program is designed to fund a range of projects across the City that complement the unique character of their neighborhoods. In this spirit, the fund will prioritize artists with proposals for their own neighborhoods, and whose projects have strong support from their local communities.

The projects can take the form of temporary objects, installations, or experiences that are free to the community and situated in public places or within public view anywhere in the City. They will be conceived, developed, and presented within a two- to three-month timeline. Individual artists, collectives, limited partnerships, nonprofit organizations, and commercial businesses across the City are all eligible to apply.

“Through the work in my committee, we reactivated the Mural Ordinance, revived the Arts Development Fee resulting in millions of dollars for new public art, and guided the new Arts Activation Fund, which will contribute to Los Angeles as a city that values its arts and culture,” said Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, Chair of the City’s Arts, Parks, and Los Angeles River Committee. “I want to thank DCA General Manager Danielle Brazell and her staff for their work to identify even more opportunities for artists to shine in the City of Los Angeles.”

The Arts Activation Fund propels Mayor Garcetti’s effort to improve public spaces across the City through community place-making and public art. Last year, the City launched a $200,000 Great Streets Challenge Grant Program that funded eight community projects to reimagine their Great Streets as public spaces.

“Public spaces in our neighborhoods and along our City’s Great Streets provide an open canvas for us to use our creative strength to animate and activate our communities through arts and culture,” said Danielle Brazell, General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. “The Arts Activation Fund connects local artists to these spaces and the people indigenous to them to reinforce neighborhood identities and celebrate L.A.’s diversity.”

For more information, and to submit a proposal for funding through the Arts Activation Fund, visitdcaredesign.org/artsactivate. To find out more about Mayor Garcetti’s Great Streets initiative, visitwww.lamayor.org/greatstreets.

 

DAVID DUCHOVNY HONORED WITH STAR ON THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME

Hollywood, Calif. – The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honored actor David Duchovny  with the 2,572nd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday, January 25.  The star in the category of Television was dedicated at 6508 Hollywood Boulevard in front of the FOX Theatre.
Hollywood Chamber to Honor David Duchovny with Walk of Fame Star

Helping Emcee and Hollywood Chamber President/CEO Leron Gubler to unveil the star was “X-Files” creator/director/executive producer Chris Carter and comedian Garry Shandling. “Fans were thrilled that their favorite actor David Duchovny was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

“He is beloved by audiences worldwide for his television and film work,” stated Ana Martinez, Producer of the Walk of Fame ceremonies.

Born and raised in New York City, Duchovny attended Princeton University where he played one season as shooting guard on the school’s basketball team. He received his Master’s Degree in English Literature from Yale and was on the road to earning his Ph.D. when he caught the acting bug.

Subsequently, Duchovny emerged to become one of the most highly acclaimed actors in Hollywood. The star of 20th Century Fox Television’s international monster hit  “The X-Files,” he was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series, he was nominated for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his highly acclaimed and some say risqué appearances on “The Larry Sanders Show.” In January 1997, he won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series. He has been nominated for a total of three Golden Globes, three Screen Actors Guild and a TV Critic’s Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series. The press and the public both agree that Duchovny brings a fierce intellect, a quiet intensity and an acerbic wit to his roles on both the small screen and the silver screen.

Fans were happy to know that thirteen years after the original series run, the next mind-bending chapter of “The X-Files” returned  with a thrilling, six-episode event series from creator/executive producer Chris Carter, with stars Duchovny and Gillian Anderson re-inhabiting their roles as iconic FBI Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully.  This marks the momentous return of the Emmy- and Golden Globe Award-winning pop culture phenomenon, which remains one of the longest-running sci-fi series in network television history.

The two-Night Season Premiere aired Sunday, January 24 and Monday, January 25 and the series will air in its Monday 8 PM timeslot.

Since “The X-Files” debuted, millions and millions of self-proclaimed “X-Philes” spent their Sunday nights wide-eyed in anticipation as their hero, the brilliant and sullen FBI agent Fox Mulder, explored cases deemed unbelievable or unsolvable by the Bureau. Duchovny’s remarkable performance on   “The X-Files” earned him the title of “Zeitgeist Icon” by Laura Jacobs in The New Republic, and “the first Internet sex symbol with hair” by Maureen Dowd in The New York Times.

Duchovny added the role of director to his already extensive list of accomplishments when he wrote, directed and starred in three critically acclaimed episodes of “The X-Files,” titled “The Unnatural,” which starred Jessie Martin; and “Hollywood A.D.”, starring Garry Shandling and actress Tea Leoni, and “William”. Other directing credits include the Fox hit series “Bones,” as well as, six episodes of “Californication.”

Duchovny’s passion for renegade films has brought him critical acclaim for his performances in the feature films “Kalifornia,” in which he co-starred opposite Brad Pitt; “The Rapture,” the controversial film directed by Michael Tolkin in which Duchovny starred opposite Mimi Rogers; and “Julia Has Two Lovers,” in which he turned in a much heralded performance as a telephone hustler. Duchovny played Roland “Rollie” Totheroh, Charlie Chaplin’s longtime confidante and cameraman in the Sir Richard Attenborough directed  “Chaplin,” which starred Robert Downey, Jr. in the title role; and starred in the smash hit “Beethoven,” opposite Charles Grodin and Bonnie Hunt. Feature credits include the Dreamworks action-comedy “Evolution,” opposite Julianne Moore and directed by Ivan Reitman, the MGM romantic-comedy “Return To Me,” opposite Minnie Driver, directed by Bonnie Hunt. “The X-Files” movie, and “Playing God,” with Timothy Hutton and Angelina Jolie. David went on to appear in a hilariously funny cameo in Ben Stiller’s film “Zoolander.”

David is still recognized for his role as Dennis/Denise Bryson, the transvestite detective in David Lynch’s breakthrough television series “Twin Peaks.”  Duchovny also spent four seasons as the impassioned narrator of Zalman King’s erotic anthology series Red Shoe Diaries,” which began as a feature length telefilm for Showtime.

In 2002, he starred in the Miramax ensemble comedy “Full Frontal,” for director Steven Soderbergh, co-starring Julia Roberts and George Clooney. David made brief returns to television, first appearing in good friend Bonnie Hunt’s show “Life With Bonnie,” in which he guest starred as over-the-top weatherman Johnny Volcano, for which he was nominated for an Emmy in 2003. Following that, he made a memorable appearance on “Sex And The City,” as an ex-flame of Sarah Jessica Parker’s Carrie Bradshaw character.

He made his feature directorial debut in 2005 with “House Of D” which he also wrote and appeared in. The film, which starred Robin Williams and Anton Yelchin, vividly captured the spirit of youth in all its joy and heartbreak.

Other feature credits include “Trust The Man,” “The TV Set,” “Things We Lost In The Fire,” “The Secret,” “The X-Files: I Want To Believe,” and “The Joneses.”

Duchovny ventured onto the stage starring off Broadway in Neil LaBute’s play “The Break Of Noon” in which he reunited with his “X-Files: I Want To Believe” co-star Amanda Peet.

Next, he worked on the independent features “Goats” opposite Vera Farmiga, Ty Burrell, Graham Phillips and Dakota Johnson; “Phantom” opposite Ed Harris and the independent feature “Louder Than Words” opposite Hope Davis and Timothy Hutton.

His other long-running series “Californication” ended its 7-year run in Summer of 2015 for Showtime. Hank Moody marked another seminal character portrayed by Duchovny that has made it’s its way into our pop culture lexicon, and for whose portrayal he won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Comedy series.

Duchovny recently released his first studio album for ThinkSay Records which is being distributed by Caroline, and is available for download on iTunes.

His first novel Holy Cow was released by Farrar, Straus and Giroux in February 2015 and hit The New York Times® Best Sellers list. Hisnext book called Bucky Fu##ing Dent will be published on April 5th.

Earlier this year he was seen in the Tomorrow Studios /NBC series “Aquarius,” which he executive produced and in which he stars. The complete series was released on premiere day on NBC.com, the NBC app and VOD.  He is currently shooting the 2nd Season of “Aquarius” for NBC.

Duchovny supports several charities including his recent hosting of “Red Nose Charity Day” to raise money for impoverished children in the U.S.

Story by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

 

 

THE ILLUSIONISTS – Live From Broadway at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, Feb. 23 – March 13 2016

"The Illusionists" premieres Tuesday Feb. 23 at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood.
“The Illusionists” premieres Tuesday Feb. 23 at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood.

Hollywood, Calif. – Direct from a completely sold out season at the Sydney Opera house in Australia, where the show sold over 3 million dollars of tickets in 8 days, William Morris Endeavour presents the most important live magic show currently touring the World, “The Illusionists”.

Seven of the most incredible illusionists on earth enact mind bending acts of magic and Illusion, many of which have never been seen before.  Each Illusionist is a master in their own field.   With an assembled cast of 20 sidekicks, they will perform a powerful mix of their most outrageous and unbelievable acts.  Collectively, these performers have been seen by millions of people around the World and this production showcases their incredible talents together on stage for the very first time.

Audiences will witness jaw dropping acts of grand illusion, levitation, mind-reading, disappearance and for the first time ever in history, a full view water torture escape.  Performed by the acclaimed escapologist Andrew Basso, he will hold his breath for over 4 minutes whilst attempting to escape from his underwater cell. This group of world-class performers take their cue from the showmanship of the great illusionists of the past – such as Harry Houdini – and pair it with a new and updated contemporary aesthetic, whose set and costume design lend the genre a theatricality and artistry that has rarely been seen before.

This critically acclaimed production has played to sold out crowds in Australia, Asia, South America, and is currently in the middle of its World Tour.

 

 

 

https://www.magicspace.net/los-angeles/the-illusionists

HOLLYWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND WALK OF FAMER DAVE KOZ ANNOUNCE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME HONOREES FOR CLASS OF 2016

Hollywood, Calif.A new group of entertainment professionals in Motion Pictures, Television, Live Theatre, Radio and Recording have been selected to receive stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, These honorees were chosen from among hundreds of nominations to the committee at a meeting held back in June and ratified by the Hollywood Chamber’s Board of Directors.  Musician and Walk of Famer Dave Koz announced the new honorees alongside Leron Gubler, President/CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Maureen Schultz, Chair of the Walk of Fame Selection Committee. The new selections were revealed to the world via live stream exclusively on the official website www.walkoffame.com.

“The Walk of Fame Selection Committee is excited to announce our newest honorees to the Walk of Fame. After much deliberation, we feel that we have selected a great group of talent for this coveted award. Fans from around the world will be thrilled to hear that their favorite celebrities will be honored on our world-famous Hollywood Walk of Fame,” stated Schultz. “We look forward to welcoming these great talents to our Walk of Fame family.”

The Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2016 are:

In the category of MOTION PICTURES:
Steve Carell, Bradley Cooper, Ashley Judd, Michael Keaton, Kurt Russell, Quentin Tarantino, and Toshiro Mifune (posthumous)

In the category of TELEVISION:
Barbara Bain, Kathy Bates, Roma Downey, David Duchovny, Allison Janney, Rob Lowe, Debra Messing, Tracy Morgan, Gary Sinise, and William S. Paley (posthumous)

In the category of RECORDING:
Shirley Caesar, LL Cool J, Cyndi Lauper, Adam Levine, Bruno Mars, Joseph B. ‘Joe’ Smith, Itzhak Perlman, ‘Mama’ Cass Elliot (posthumous)

In the category of RADIO: Ralph Lawler

In the category of LIVE THEATRE/LIVE PERFORMANCE:
Angélica María, Harvey Fierstein, and Kevin Hart

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and its Walk of Fame Selection Committee congratulate all the honorees. Dates have not been scheduled for these star ceremonies. Recipients have two years to schedule star ceremonies from the date of selection before they expire. Upcoming star ceremonies are normally announced ten days prior to dedication on the official website www.walkoffame.com.

LL COOL J
TO BE HONORED WITH
STAR ON THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME

WHO:        Honoree: LL COOL J

Emcee:      Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, President/CEO Leron Gubler
Guest speakers: Queen Latifah and Sean “Diddy” Combs

WHAT:      Dedication of the 2,571st star on the Walk of Fame
                   in the category of Recording

WHERE:    6901 Hollywood Boulevard 
                   in front of the Hard Rock Cafe

WHEN:      Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. PST

Event will be live-streamed exclusively on www.walkoffame.com

Hollywood Chamber to Honor LL Cool J with Walk of Fame Star

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that LL COOL J will be honored with the 2,571st star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on January 21, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. PST. The star in the category of Recording will be dedicated at 6901 Hollywood Boulevard in front of Hollywood’s Hard Rock Cafe. “LL COOL J is one of the most popular recording artists. He has a huge following and we are proud to honor him on the Walk of Fame.” stated Ana Martinez, Producer of the Walk of Fame ceremonies.

Helping Emcee and Hollywood Chamber President/CEO Leron Gubler to unveil the star will be Queen Latifah and Sean “Diddy” Combs.

LL COOL J is an entertainment icon who has found great success crossing into multiple mediums. A two-time Grammy® Award winner, recording artist, talented actor, NAACP Image Award winner, entrepreneur and philanthropist, LL continues to display his wide range of talents with every project.

Celebrating 30 years since he first burst onto the scene, LL COOL J continues his vibrant, trailblazing career. LL COOL J began in the nascent, burgeoning rap and hip hop scene of the 80s, which developed into the musical and cultural phenomenon that is today’s hip hop. All the while, LL COOL J has remained a musical and cultural force, a living icon and a significant, relevant artist still churning out the hits.

First introduced to the world in 1984 as a Def Jam Records flagship artist, LL is the first rap artist to amass ten consecutive platinum-plus selling albums, in addition to 2004’s “THE DEFINITION” and 2006’s “TODD SMITH” which both went Gold.  The multi-platinum artist and two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominee is currently tied for third place for mostBillboard chart debuts by a rapper. In 2008, LL released his critically acclaimed album “EXIT 13,” his appropriately titled 13th and last album for the only label he has called home – Def Jam Recordings. USA Today put it best when they said, “He may be hitting the Exit, but he is not easing up on the gas.” Continuing his musical expedition three decades after he first released music, LL most recently released his critically-acclaimed 14th studio album, “AUTHENTIC.”With this album, the multi-platinum artist returned to the studio and kicked the volume up to create a powerful album that came from his true passion for music and would speak to his fans. LL scored his 13th Top-10 Album on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Chart with AUTHENTIC.

As an actor, LL COOL J has successfully transitioned to one of the consistently highest rated shows on television. He currently stars in the CBS hit primetime drama series, “NCIS: LOS ANGELES,” which is in its seventh season. Lauded as one of the most successful show launches ever, and sold into syndication after only seven episodes, his performance on the show has garnered him a NAACP Image Award four years in a row, from 2011 to 2014, for his role of ‘Special Agent Sam Hanna.’ The show is licensed in more than 200 territories around the world and translated or dubbed into dozens of languages. He previously won an NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Male Artist” in 2003 and hosted the show in 2007.

Previously, LL had a dramatic and critically acclaimed performance on the second season premiere of FOX’s hit drama “House.” He also guest starred on the NBC comedy “30 Rock” in a memorable performance as hip hop mogul ‘Ridiculous’.

LL can currently be seen hosting and producing the Jimmy Fallon-executive produced new show Lip Sync Battle on Spike TV, which premiered in April 2015 as Spike TV’s most-watched original program ever. The series was renewed for a second season just weeks after its premiere and returned on January 7, 2016.

LL has hosted the GRAMMY® Awards for the past four years in a row, for which he has earned rave reviews. He returns as the host of the 2016 Awards on February 15, 2016 on CBS and has also hosted and produced the GRAMMY® Nominations Concert Live Special for the past seven years and has also been a presenter at the Emmy®, Golden Globe®, and SAG Awards.

Over the years, LL has appeared in more than 30 films and starred opposite acclaimed actors such as Samuel L. Jackson and Colin Farrell in Sony Pictures blockbuster “S.W.A.T.;” Al Pacino, Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz in Oliver Stone’s “Any Given Sunday;” and Gabrielle Union in Focus Features’ “Deliver Us from Eva.” Other film credits include “Rollerball,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “Kingdom Come,” “In Too Deep,” “Toys,” “Slow Burn” with Ray Liotta and “Eddison” with Morgan Freeman and Kevin Spacey. He also received a Blockbuster Award for best comedic performance as the ‘Chef’ in Renny Harlin’s blockbuster action film “Deep Blue Sea.” He also starred in Paramount Pictures’ “Last Holiday,” opposite Queen Latifah, which was lauded by fans and critics alike and proved to be a box office draw. He was most recently seen starring opposite Academy Award®-winner Robert De Niro in “Grudge Match.”

LL has always been an avid philanthropist involved in numerous causes including literacy for kids as well as music and arts programs in schools. Celebrating its 12th Anniversary this year, his charity “Jump & Ball” – which takes place every August in his hometown of Queens, New York – aims to give back to his local community by offering a five-week athletic and team building program dedicated to bringing wholesome fun to young people.

 

Artist’s Rendering Reveals New Look Coming to Rivers of America in Disneyland Park

Anaheim, Calif., – The Disneyland Resort is constantly evolving, with the addition of new entertainment and attractions, seasonal overlays for beloved attractions, plus new theming and regular refurbishments.  The ongoing expansion of Disneyland park includes plans for a beautiful new waterfront in Frontierland, along the north bank of the Rivers of America.  An artist’s rendering, courtesy of Walt Disney Imagineering, illustrates the stunning new riverbank, complete with an elevated trestle over which the iconic Disneyland Railroad will travel. The Mark Twain Riverboat and Sailing Ship Columbia operate along the Rivers of America. Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island — a mysterious place rumored to have hidden treasure — is surrounded by the river.

The developments along the Rivers of America are in preparation for a new, 14-acre Star Wars-themed land, with groundbreaking scheduled for 2016. As the expansion unfolds, Disneyland guests will have unique, limited-time opportunities to experience some of their favorite attractions in new ways. At the Main Street and New Orleans Square Train Stations, guests will be able to get up-close to the historic steam engines that have circled Disneyland for decades, learning more about these fascinating machines firsthand from the train engineers.

RIVERS OF AMERICA — As part of an ongoing, planned expansion at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., the Rivers of America at Disneyland Park will receive a brand-new waterfront, just outside the location of the new Star Wars-themed land. The new riverbank will also feature an elevated trestle over which the iconic Disneyland Resort Railroad will travel. (Disney Parks)
RIVERS OF AMERICA — As part of an ongoing, planned expansion at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., the Rivers of America at Disneyland Park will receive a brand-new waterfront, just outside the location of the new Star Wars-themed land. The new riverbank will also feature an elevated trestle over which the iconic Disneyland Resort Railroad will travel. (Disney Parks)

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Villain Kylo Ren Arrives at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort

Starting in February 2016, a visit to Star Wars Launch Bay at either Disneyland Park in California or Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will transport guests to the Star Wars galaxy for an encounter with Kylo Ren from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, on the bridge of his First Order Star Destroyer. (Disney)
Starting in February 2016, a visit to Star Wars Launch Bay at either Disneyland Park in California or Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will transport guests to the Star Wars galaxy for an encounter with Kylo Ren from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, on the bridge of his First Order Star Destroyer. (Disney)

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Star Wars: The Force Awakens has quickly become the highest grossing film in American history, and soon guests at Disney Parks will be able to interact with one of the film’s most intriguing and chilling new characters, Kylo Ren.

Every day at Disney Parks, guests step into Star Wars experiences such as Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple and Star Wars Launch Bay, where they come face to face with some of the greatest heroes and villains of the saga. Starting in February, a visit to Star Wars Launch Bay at either Disneyland Park in California or Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will transport guests to the Star Wars galaxy for an encounter with Kylo Ren on the bridge of his First Order Star Destroyer.

As seen in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Kylo Ren is a dark warrior with a mysterious past. Kylo Ren is strong with the Force and serves as a leader of the First Order, seeking to destroy the New Republic, the Resistance and the legacy of the Jedi.

Star Wars Launch Bay is designed to showcase a variety of Star Wars characters over time. In addition to Kylo Ren, guests may also come across a garrison of First Order Stormtroopers or the heroic Wookiee, Chewbacca, holed up in a secret Resistance base.

The Force has awakened at Disney Parks with the addition of new and reimagined Star Wars experiences, just in time for fans of the blockbuster new movie, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, to step into the Star Wars saga every day.

The new experiences further expand the Star Wars presence ahead of the new Star Wars-themed lands coming to the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.

Disneyland Resort Offers Southern California Residents Special Prices on Tickets for a Limited Time, Beginning Jan. 6

ANAHEIM, Calif. – The Disneyland Resort is kicking off the new year with a special ticket offer for Southern California residents, just in time to enjoy the thrilling Star Wars Season of the Force at Disneyland Park, all the nighttime excitement of the 60th anniversary Diamond Celebration and the opening of Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters at Disney California Adventure Park.

The Southern California Resident ticket offer* provides flexible options for two or three days of magic and adventure at special prices. Available for a limited time, the offer has four purchase options:

  • 2-day ticket with choice of one park per day for $149
  • 2-day Park Hopper ticket for $189
  • 3-day ticket with choice of one park per day for $179
  • 3-day Park Hopper ticket for $219.

Guests who choose to visit Disneyland will enjoy all the thrills of Star Wars Season of the Force, an exciting lineup of experiences that celebrate the Star Wars film saga. The lineup includes the Star Wars-themed transformation of Space Mountain into Hyperspace Mountain; new characters and a new adventure among the destinations at Star Tours – The Adventures Continue attraction, and an exciting short film, “Star Wars: Path of the Jedi,” which relives highlights of the Star Wars films. In addition, Star Wars Launch Bay invites guests to encounter that favorite Star Wars pilot Chewbacca, visit a Star Wars-themed cantina, discover authentic replicas of film props, and more.  And younglings will learn about conquering their fears in a new show, Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple.

At Super Hero HQ, also in Tomorrowland, guests will learn more about some of their favorite Super Heroes and even encounter Spider-Man and Thor, in person.

After dark in Disneyland, the 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration comes to life with the dazzling “Paint the Night,” an all-new electrical parade, and the spectacular “Disneyland Forever” fireworks, an immersive street-to-sky experience like nothing seen before at the Disneyland Resort. The night skies light up in Disney California Adventure with the exciting “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney,” a spectacular that combines water, light, color, lasers, animation, projections and nearly 1,200 dancing fountains.

In Cars Land at Disney California Adventure, Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters will open in early 2016. On this fun, family attraction, guests will join the exciting festivities created by Luigi, a beloved character from the Disney•Pixar blockbuster “Cars” films. Luigi has invited all his cugini (cousins) from Carsoli, Italy, to visit Cars Land and demonstrate the traditional dances of their village. Park guests will hop aboard miniature Italian roadsters – in the style of micro cars — to enjoy the dance and the upbeat singing of Luigi and his cousins. The dance is precision-choreographed across what appears to be a trackless “dance floor.” Each car has its own routine, so guests will be able to enjoy different ride experiences depending on which car they board.

Beginning Jan. 6, 2016, Southern California residents will be able to experience all these attractions and entertainment, along with other beloved experiences at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks, with the special ticket offer.

The 2-day and 3-day Southern California Resident tickets are an ideal way to make unforgettable memories, and are available for a limited time.  Southern California residents must purchase tickets from Jan. 6 through May 19, 2016. Tickets expire after May 26, 2016, and blockout dates apply.  They can be purchased at http://Disneyland.com/flex, The Disney Stores, Vons and other retail locations, as well as any Disneyland Resort ticket booth.  Guests who purchase tickets online may print their tickets at home. When purchased in advance, 3-day tickets include one Magic Morning** early entry to Disneyland Park, which provides an extra hour of play on select days before the park opens to the general public. This benefit is not available to tickets purchased at Disneyland Resort ticket booths.

For restrictions, visit http://Disneyland.com/flex. For park hours and entertainment schedules, guests may review the resort’s daily calendar at Disneyland.com.

Hotel Offers: Special hotel offers are available for guests who want to turn their Disneyland Resort visit into a getaway, including a stay in the middle of the Diamond Celebration at any of the three Disneyland Resort hotels. Guests may save up to 20 percent on premium rooms for select nights at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa or the Disneyland Hotel, and up to 10 percent at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel for travel between January 3 and March 31, 2016, if booked by March 10.***  Disneyland Resort hotel guests also may enjoy Extra Magic Hour** morning admission to a Disneyland Resort theme park on applicable days (valid Theme Park ticket and active hotel room key card required for each guest).

About the Disneyland Resort The Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and the reimagined Disney California Adventure Park – plus three hotels and the Downtown Disney District, comprising unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. The Resort’s hotels are the luxurious, 948-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which also features 50 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club units; the magical, recently renovated, 973-room Disneyland Hotel – both AAA Four Diamond properties – and the 481-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel with its “day-at-the-beach” fun. For information on attractions and vacations at Disneyland Resort, visit Disneyland.com, call (866) 43-DISNEY or contact local travel agents.

Star Tours ©Disney/Lucasfilm Ltd.

* So Cal Resident Ticket Offer:
Valid only for Southern California residents within ZIP codes 90000-93599 and Northern Baja California residents within ZIP codes 21000-22999; proof of residency is required for purchase and admission. 1-Park Per Day tickets are valid for admission to either Disneyland® or Disney California Adventure® park each day of validity, but not to both parks on the same day.  Park Hopper® tickets are valid for admission each day of validity to both Disneyland® and Disney California Adventure® park on the same day. Each day of use constitutes one full day of use. Tickets expire May 26, 2016.  Blockout days of 3/20/16-4/2/16 apply.  May purchase up to 5 tickets per person per day with valid ID.  Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial use.  Offer may not be combined with other ticket discounts or promotions. Tickets not valid before 1/6/16.  Subject to capacity, restrictions and change without notice.
**Magic Morning and Extra Magic Hour
Magic Morning admission allows admission to selected attractions at Disneyland® Park before the park opens to the general public on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday. Each Guest must have valid, eligible theme park admission.  Extra Magic Hour currently allows registered Disneyland® Resort hotel guests admission into select attractions at Disneyland® Park on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and Disney California Adventure® Park on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday before the applicable park opens to the general public.  Each registered hotel guest (ages 3 and older) must have a valid theme park ticket and active hotel room key card.  To enhance the Magic Morning and Extra Magic Hour experiences, it is strongly recommended that Guests arrive at least one hour and 15 minutes prior to regular park opening.  Applicable theme park, days and times of operation and all other elements of the admissions including, but not limited to, operation of attractions, entertainment, stores and restaurants and appearances of characters may vary and are subject to change without notice.  Subject to capacity, other restrictions and cancellation.
***Resort Hotel Offer
Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room and the same hotel for most Sunday through Thursday nights. Valid for travel January 3, 2016 to March 31, 2016. Book through March 10, 2016, with travel completed by April 1, 2016. Savings on premium rooms are available on Premium, Deluxe and Woods/Garden/Courtyard rooms; select Concierge rooms; and Paradise, Artisan and Regal suites. Not valid on previously booked rooms. Advance reservations required. Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Excludes applicable fees and taxes. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation and five (5) people maximum per room. Not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Separate Theme Park admission required to enjoy the Parks.